Wednesday, April 22, 2009

NMF Preview: The Pretty Black Chains

Kellen McCugan from the Pretty Black Chains talks about West Side Story, pulling the trigger, and even gives a disclaimer.

How would you describe your sound?

Everything that rock n' roll in Oklahoma is lacking: A drunken swagger, instantly catchy and infinitely clever hooks, loads of sweat and a live show that demands your attention! Quite simply put, the attitude with music to back it up!

Why should we go see you at Norman Music Festival?

We feel confident that once you see us play live, you will tell your friends how much fun you had seeing The Pretty Black Chains stick a fork in the socket of the Oklahoma music scene!

What makes your live show special?

One word: Energy. We've all been to far too many shows where artists get up on stage and try to be artists. THAT'S BORING! We play rock n' roll for people who like to have a great time. When we're on stage it's the most fun we all have collectively, and we like to give that back to our crowd. Every other excellent act in Oklahoma have been loading the gun, and we really want to be the ones who pull the trigger.

How’d you settle on the band name?

Yikes... We thought about it for about two months, then just picked three words we all liked and smooshed them together, throwing a "The" on the front for good measure!

What plans do you have for the future?

Work work work! We're booking our entire summer full of shows in Oklahoma as well as the surrounding Midwest. A day without doing business in our band is a day wasted!

What other bands influence you the most?

Where to start? The Libertines, The Raveonettes, Arctic Monkeys, Mando Diao, The Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, King Khan and The Shrines, The Cribs, The Horrors, T REX, thebeatlestherollingstonesledzeppelin, Blitz, and generally anything nasty.

Who else will you personally be seeing at Norman Music Festival?

Oh God...... Of Montreal of course, Man Man is supposed to be sick. Basically any and every Stillwater band possible. That town just has this knack to produce really creative and fun bands!

Any memorable concert/tour stories/moments?

We've only been together for four months, but we recently played a house party where we were asked to play a little quieter than normal. We agreed, and then turned up right before we started and went crazy, successfully shutting the party down in four songs. Zing! (Thanks Kevin and Zach!)

Best moment in band history?

Writing eleven songs in two months and continuing to constantly write.

Favorite Norman restaurant?

Pepe's, Blue, The Hideaway!!!

Favorite band as a kid?

You want to say something cool so you sound like you were a badass when you were younger. Lots of pressure! However, I was not a badass when I was a kid, so i'm going with the soundtracks to West Side Story, Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz and generally any Disney movie. I am not ashamed. (NOTE: This is just Kellen, no one else in the band shares this taste in music.)

DISCLAIMER: Coming to a PBC show will cause you to shake, sweat, drink, dance, and break everything around you. If you enjoy doing any of these activities we strongly suggest coming to the show at Coaches. Bring your friends.